Side by side
Appium vs Percy
Both stand on gui testing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Appium offers a client-server approach to UI automation with multiple platform drivers and language clients. Setup involves installing the server and a separate driver, while Windows automation depends on a Microsoft server that has not been maintained since 2022.
Visit Appium Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Percy combines browser-based visual comparisons with a workflow for reviewing diffs and tracking status. Check the screenshot allowance and overage charges against expected usage, especially for paid plans.
Visit PercyThe facts
| Appium | Percy | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Desktop: $199 a month |
| Plans published | None | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | appium.io | percy.io |
| On gui testing software | #6 of 34 | #14 of 34 |
Appium: what it does well
- Open source under Apache 2.0.
- Official clients for Java, Python, Ruby, and C#.
- Inspector can record interactions and search for elements.
- Optional plugins extend functionality.
What to know first
- Requires a supported Node.js version and npm 10 or later.
- Drivers must be installed separately.
- Platform drivers may need additional SDKs and toolchains.
- Microsoft's WinAppDriver server has not been maintained since 2022.
Percy: what it does well
- Free plan includes 5,000 screenshots monthly.
- Snapshots can be grouped across processes and machines.
- Review workflow includes comments and status updates.
- Integrates with GitHub, GitLab, Slack, and Jenkins.
What to know first
- Paid plans charge for usage beyond their screenshot allowance.
- Desktop costs $199 a month, billed annually.
- Desktop & Mobile costs $599 a month, billed annually.

